Full Breakdown
USA's Late-Goal Defeat to Turkey Ends Group Stage Winning Streak
6/26/2026, 12:42:36 PM
USA vs Turkey: Late-Goal Upset Ends Group Stage Winning Streak
On June 25, 2026 at SoFi Stadium, the United States lost 3-2 to Turkey after Kaan Ayhan scored on the final kick. The U.S. had already clinched Group D and made nine changes. Auston Trusty opened scoring (3´); Turkey equalised through Arda Güler (10´) and Orkun Kökçü (31´). Sebastian Berhalter levelled (49´). Christian Pulisic entered at 58´; Ayhan’s winner came in stoppage time (reported as 96´-98´).
Background
The co-host nation entered the tournament with two dominant victories, securing top spot before the final group match. Pochettino used the Turkey game to rest four yellow-carded starters and test squad depth.
Match Data
Coach Mauricio Pochettino fielded Christian Pulisic (sub 58´) and saw Auston Trusty score early (3´). Sebastian Berhalter equalised (49´) and Kaan Ayhan delivered Turkey’s winner in stoppage time. Nine starters were replaced, giving debut minutes to eight players while preserving suspensions.
Impact
The loss highlighted defensive frailties in the closing stages, a concern for the knockout round. The United States retained Group D leadership and will meet Bosnia-Herzegovina at Levi’s Stadium on July 1. Pulisic’s fitness and defensive cohesion will be decisive.
Official Statements
Pochettino said the squad is “much better now” after full-match experience and ready to help from any position. Midfielder Weston McKennie said the defeat will motivate the team and preserve momentum. Sebastian Berhalter praised Pulisic’s return, calling his impact evident. Staff said rotation was essential to avoid suspensions and assess depth.
Criticism
Analysts pointed to a “leaky defense,” especially in the final minutes, and questioned the cohesion of a largely untested back four, describing it as a drop-off in quality.
Conflicting Reports
Sources differ on the exact timing: some describe the goal as occurring on the final kick without a minute, while others specify the 98th minute.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think it’s all positive, and I am so positive, and I am happy,” — Mauricio Pochettino, USA head coach
- “I felt healthy. I felt good,” — Christian Pulisic, USA forward
- “Everyone wants to go into the next game winning the previous game, but obviously we didn’t do that, and I think that’s going to motivate us even more to try and prove the first two games weren’t just a coincidence.” — Weston McKennie, USA midfielder
- “You saw his quality, and you saw when he came in, the impact he had,” — Sebastian Berhalter, USA midfielder
What’s Next
The United States faces Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Round of 32 on July 1 at Levi’s Stadium. Pochettino is expected to start Pulisic and field a stronger defensive lineup to address concerns raised by the Turkey loss.
